It wasn’t until dinnertime that Fang Chen finally emerged from his cabin.

They were heading home tomorrow. He’d just finished packing his backpack when he realized he hadn’t returned Seth’s jacket.

He carried the bag to the dining hall and handed it to Seth. “I already washed it.”

Seth looked down—Fang Chen couldn’t tell if he was imagining it, but he seemed a little disappointed.

He set the bag aside and said calmly, “Uncle Boer’s seafood chowder is his specialty. Have some more.”

Fang Chen hugged the bowl and murmured, “Okay.”

Joey’s gaze kept flitting over them, finally coughing deliberately. “Chen, did you have fun these two days?”

Fang Chen had just swallowed a mouthful of soup and quickly nodded, “Of course, I had a great time!”

“Next time, we should all come out together again.” Joey bumped Seth’s shoulder, “Right, Seth?”

Seth looked over at Fang Chen, who was clearly a bit awkward, and just smiled a little instead of answering, ladling more soup into Fang Chen’s bowl before asking, “Break’s coming up soon. Are you going to have a lot of classes?”

Fang Chen relaxed a bit inside and quickly responded, “Yes, lots of classes.”

“If you run into any trouble, let me know. I majored in economics too.” Seth said evenly. “Did you think all I could do was box?”

Fang Chen was surprised. “How did you know…?”

“I saw the book you had last time when I gave you a ride.”

Seth’s response was flawless.

He was like a master hunter: offering Fang Chen a way out, but actually leading him right into his own little trap.

Fang Chen had simple relationships—school, work, probably just that one friend from the pizza place. When it came to school problems, Seth didn’t think Fang Chen would have a second person to ask.

He added, as if casually, “I’m always free.”

Fang Chen blinked, dark eyes glimmering, and just looking at him made Seth feel a rush of emotion.

“Okay, thanks.”

Seth’s gaze was deep, but he maintained a polite smile. “You’re welcome.”

The club had early training the next morning, so they headed home early. Fang Chen was so sleepy, he was like a little tail following Seth, nodding off every couple of steps. Seth kept stopping, afraid Fang Chen would just topple over and sleep on the ground.

He didn’t dare carry Fang Chen anymore—otherwise, like the lamb, Fang Chen might leap several meters away.

It took ages to climb into the car. Fang Chen instantly fell asleep, head tilted, totally defenseless.

Seth turned to study him.

He looked so well-behaved asleep—long black lashes casting faint shadows on his cheeks, lips parted just a little, the gap so small you couldn’t see his tongue.

Seth almost wanted to pry his lips open and taste that tongue.

If he kissed him now, what would the little lamb do? Instantly gape in shock, kick his little legs in protest. But such weak force meant nothing to Seth.

No escape—just forced to keep his mouth open, kissed until all he could make were confused little noises, and even his saliva would get swallowed down completely.

Poor little lamb.

Would get gobbled up completely.

Seth licked his lips discreetly before looking away.

Oblivious to the danger beside him, Fang Chen slept so soundly that only a pressing urge in his belly made him wake up.

He rubbed his eyes, still groggy, voice soft and sweet, “Seth, I need to use the bathroom.”

If it were a different situation, Seth thought, he’d be happy to help—carrying the little lamb to the bathroom.

Having Fang Chen cuddled in his arms was so soft and small, legs splayed so easily…

Seth paused, his tone then calm: “There’s a gas station bathroom up ahead.”

Fang Chen yawned and nodded.

Soon, they stopped by the road.

Fang Chen got out, and Seth followed.

Fang Chen turned, confused: “Why are you getting out?”

Seth shrugged, “Bathroom.”

“…Okay.”

The gas station bathroom was pretty basic, with no stalls. Fang Chen hesitated for a long time, telling himself it was fine, they were both guys.

He just mustered his courage and unzipped when Seth, beside him, was already going.

Fang Chen glanced over—and froze.

Oh my god!!!
What the heck???!
Are foreigners all so gifted?!
Is this normal??!!
This is terrifying!!!
How can it be—this—big?!

All boys have their childish moments. At school, you sometimes make secret comparisons in the bathroom.
But none of them were anywhere near this level!

While Fang Chen stood there shocked, Seth looked over and raised an eyebrow, “You’re not going?”

Fang Chen stammered, “I…”

I can’t even move my hand—aaah!

Seth spoke gently, “This highway goes straight to the city. It’ll be a long way to the next public restroom.”

“…”
Threat! That’s a straight-up threat!

Fang Chen wanted to leave, but his bladder demanded otherwise, especially since Seth was doing his business so confidently right next to him—the sound made Fang Chen shiver in sympathy.

Whatever! He couldn’t hold it anymore.

With a bite of determination, Fang Chen unzipped and let go.

Finished, he sighed with relief.

But then Seth casually looked over, gave him a quick up-and-down, and, lips tilting, said, “Very cute.”

Instant blush!!!

How can you say “cute” about THAT?! That’s so humiliating!!

Back in the car, Fang Chen was still fuming, trying to defend himself, “It’s genetic. My size… is normal where I come from.”

Seth nodded, “I get it.”

Get what?!?

So mad!!

Seeing Fang Chen’s puffed-up cheeks, Seth couldn’t help but reach out and poke one, voice softening, “Okay, I said the wrong thing.”

He pretended to think it over then, “Hmm… very long, very pretty.”

Fang Chen’s eyes reddened with rage. “Shut up!”

After coming back from the ranch, school was super busy. Fang Chen barely went to his delivery job anymore.

But Seth called him every day.

At first it felt awkward, but now Fang Chen had gotten used to it.

Sometimes, both of them would be busy and not even hang up—just leave the phone on, handling stuff nearby.

Seth trained, Fang Chen pored over his dictionary, laboriously translating assigned readings. Whenever he got stuck, he’d ask, and Seth would explain right away over the phone.

After a workout, Seth’s voice got deep and a little rough on the line.

Fang Chen couldn’t help wondering.
What was he doing—lifting weights? Hitting the bag?

Seth explained the lesson, then asked, “Got it?”

Fang Chen had spaced out and missed it entirely. Embarrassed, he whispered, “Yeah… not really.”

Seth laughed. The sound drifted through the speaker—tickling Fang Chen’s ear.

Fang Chen grumbled, “Don’t laugh… I’m just dumb.”

“Of course not. I was about to ask—do you want to review together in person? Might help more face-to-face.”

For a moment, Fang Chen paused, then reflexively refused, “It’s fine. I’m just really busy lately.”

Seth didn’t push, just patiently moved on to explain the lesson again.

After hanging up, Fang Chen flopped onto his bed, sighing heavily.

Was he… getting too close with Seth?

Do normal friends call every day?

He rolled on the bed, then finally called Jamin.

Jamin was busy with his new boyfriend.

“What? Calling every day? Why do something that pointless?”

Fang Chen pouted, trying to explain, “No, it’s just—he said if I have questions, I can ask. I’m studying…”

“OK! You’re studying, but what about him?” Jamin’s breathing was heavy. “You said he’s a grad student. Why would he waste his time helping you?”

Fang Chen puffed his cheeks, mumbling, “Because we’re friends…”

“You really think that? Oh, darling, take it easy.”
He stopped, then asked in shock, “Jamin! Where are you now?”

“In bed, of course! Hey, don’t pinch me there!”

Fang Chen’s vision went black. He hung up instantly.

He whimpered a little, burying his face in his textbook.

Somebody come roast me, please.

He wanted to be spicy grilled lamb!

Thanks to Jamin’s “advice,” Fang Chen barely slept that night. He staggered out of bed around noon, the fridge totally empty, so he had to grab his coat and head out to Walmart.

Just inside the door, he saw tall stacks of pumpkin decorations.

That’s when Fang Chen realized—

Next week was Halloween.

No wonder his roommate had dragged home two pumpkins yesterday; he’d thought he was making cream soup!

Fang Chen debated buying some decorations, but after checking prices, decided a couple pumpkin-flavored candies would suffice.

He was about to push his cart forward when someone stopped it—Seth, wearing a black coat, appeared in front of him, smiling. “What a coincidence.”

They hadn’t seen each other since the ranch—only texting, basically like online friends now.

But thanks to Jamin’s words yesterday, Fang Chen felt awkward and looked away. “Yeah—what a coincidence.”

Seth closed in, “Buying food—going to cook? I learned a few Chinese dishes recently. Maybe you can help me judge the flavor?”

What?

Chinese food?

Fang Chen swallowed hard.
“Well… sure. I’ll give it a try.”

Author’s note:
Mini Theater

After the first time, Fang Chen turned into a little dead lamb on the bed, his legs limp as noodles.

Seth was like a satisfied wolf, circling him and cuddling him up.

Fang Chen, annoyed, punched him. “Jerk!”

But Seth’s years of boxing meant his muscles would instinctively tense in response to any blow. Fang Chen’s punch landed just like hitting a rock, his knuckles turning red from the pain.

He was in agony, hurt and wronged, sobbing as he burrowed into the covers.

He didn’t let Seth touch him for three whole days afterward.

Seth never forgot—whenever Fang Chen punched him, he mustn’t dodge or tense up, and should keep his muscles relaxed so Fang Chen could punch as much as he liked, as hard as he liked!